I have packed a shoebox for Operation Christmas Child since before I had kids. Now that I have kids, together we pack one for a boy and girl each year. If you haven’t heard of Operation Christmas Child, here are the details:
Since 1993, more than 100 million boys and girls in over 130 countries have experienced God’s love through the power of simple shoebox gifts from Operation Christmas Child. Samaritan’s Purse works with local churches and ministry partners to deliver the gifts and share the life-changing Good News of Jesus Christ.
In our family, we save the toys from birthday party goody bags or trips to the fast food restaurant, stockpile soap from my husband’s business trips, stash our lollipops from trips to the bank, and then add more candy, more toys, and toiletries like toothpaste, tooth-brush, and a wash rag. Since my trip to Haiti in February, I am now passionate about including a pair of inexpensive flip-flops, too. The Haitian kids often had shoes for school, if they were lucky enough to attend a school, but didn’t necessarily have shoes otherwise.
Another awesome thing about OCC is that you can pay the $7 shipping fee for your shoebox online and track your package. Last year one shoebox went to Zambia and the other went to Tobago! It was so cool to check out the world map as a family and see how far away the shoeboxes, filled with love, had been sent!
Shoebox collection is happening this week, November 18-25. Check here for a drop-off location near you. Or build a box online at Samaritan’s Purse and send it on its way.
Oh, yea, and if you’re a fan of Duck Dynasty then you’ll love Uncle Si’s take on packing a shoebox. Bottle rockets–really, Si!?
I’ve always wanted to do this! But right now, my family could probably use a shoe box full of stuff. I do hope to start doing stuff like this by next year! That’s so awesome that they let you track your package.
Ashlee recently posted…Time Out, Escaped Toddlers, And Christmas Trees
There’s a time and place for everything, Ashlee! It’ll still be there for you when you can do it. I know people who send dozens of boxes and I only send two. It’s all good.
Katy @ Experienced Bad Mom recently posted…It’s Operation Christmas Child Collection Week
YAY!!!!! Our American Heritage Girl’s troop has done this every year… filling HUNDREDS of boxes!!! Such an incredible organization….outreach….etc.
GO YOU! GO OCC!!
Chris Carter recently posted…Sunshine After The Storm
HUNDREDS! Woot woot! That’s awesome. Go shoeboxes, go!!
Katy @ Experienced Bad Mom recently posted…It’s Operation Christmas Child Collection Week
This is an excellent idea! Love it.
I’ve never done one myself, but I’ve heard a lot of good stuff about them! Sounds like fun!
Rabia @TheLiebers recently posted…Ten on Tuesday: My Favorite Thanksgiving Foods
I love this charity, I shop all year long for this our daughters are grown but they did this with me when they were little i wish the shoe box could be larger my biggest challenge is fitting it all in. I do 6 boxes every year one for each age group and 3 boys and 3 girls. i get good quality items by shopping all year long Marshall’s has really quality wash cloths, pillow cases, clothes, water bottles and more. I get more out of this than the children do.